7 A final word

Next week is another general conference. I look forward to that with as much anticipation and delight as ever I awaited Christmastime as a child.

In preparation for the spiritual feast that will be placed before us, I have been rereading the talks delivered at last April's conference. I was particularly impressed with something President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught in the general priesthood session:

"The fact that something is good is not always reason enough to require our time and resources. Our activities, initiatives, and plans should be inspired by and grounded upon the why of our priesthood service and not by any flashy trend or interest of the moment. Otherwise, they can distract our efforts, dilute our energy, and get us caught up in our own hobbies, spiritual or temporal, that are not at the center of discipleship.

"Brethren, we all know that it takes self-discipline to remain focused on the matters that have the greatest power to increase our love for God and fellowman, invigorate marriages, strengthen families, and build the kingdom of God on earth. Like a fruit tree with an abundance of branches and leaves, our lives need regular pruning to ensure that we use our energy and time to accomplish our real purpose—to 'bring forth good fruit' (Matthew 7:18)" (Ensign, May 2012, 60).

President Uchtdorf at the time was speaking specifically to us who hold the priesthood of God, but his counsel surely applies to all of us in the patterns of our discipleship. Just because something is good is not always reason enough to require our time and resources. It takes self-discipline to remain focused on things that matter most, on things that will actually make a difference, on things that will bring forth the desired results in our lives and the lives of our family members.

"So how do we know what to select?" he goes on to ask. "We each have the responsibility to determine this for ourselves. However, we are commanded to diligently study the scriptures, heed the words of the prophets, and make it a matter of faith-filled, serious, dedicated prayer" (Ensign, May 2012, 60).

And then I like his prophetic promise: "God is faithful. Through the Holy Spirit, He will speak to our minds and hearts concerning the path we should follow during each segment of our lives" (Ensign, May 2012, 60). With our recent retirement and a mission call soon upon us, Claudia and I are in a new phase of our lives. I am clearly interested in heaven-sent direction in knowing what path we should follow.

And finally: "If our hearts are pure--if we seek not our own glory but the glory of Almighty God, if we seek to do His will, if we desire to bless the lives of our family and fellowman--we will not be left to walk alone" (Ensign, May 2012, 60). A sweet promise!